Masters Week is Upon Us

Hello, friends. It’s Masters Week. It seems like it’s been much longer than a year since I’ve been able to utter those glorious words. The field is set. I can only imagine that the course is in its usual impeccable condition (despite the need to cancel today’s practice round due to inclement weather). The patrons – you’re not allowed to call them fans – have their tickets. The golfers have made the trek down Magnolia Lane to Augusta National for the first major championship of the season. The only thing left to do is play golf.

Augusta National Golf Club is a par 72 course that plays roughly 7,435 yards long. It was designed in 1930 by Bobby Jones and Alistair Mackenzie and, since its inception, has been one of the most recognizable and revered golf courses in the world. The signature magnolia trees and azaleas add to the already breathtaking layout (and increase the level of difficulty). While the entire course is something to behold, the most well-known section of the course are holes 11 through 13, known as “Amen Corner”. This trio of holes is sure to test the acumen of the field and leave them praying on a daily basis.

The wait is over. We are now able to sit back and enjoy Masters Week and its traditions in all of their splendid glory. The annual par 3 contest, champion’s dinner, ceremonial opening tee shot and the coveted green jacket, not to mention the tournament itself, ensure that this event truly is “a tradition unlike any other”. Despite two notable absences this year – Tiger Woods will be absent from the tournament for the first time since 1997 after undergoing back surgery and the famed “Eisenhower Tree” had to be removed after being damaged in a storm – the grandeur of the Masters continues to lure golf fans to Magnolia Lane. There’s a reason that this is one of the most expensive tickets in all of sports, and it’s not just the pimento cheese sandwiches.

There will undoubtedly be a great deal of spectacular golf played this week, which will almost assuredly be interspersed with some controversy. A few dark horse candidates will likely shock the world and put themselves in position to contend for the title. When it comes to The Masters, you can pretty much throw the “favorites” out the window, as everyone in the field has prepped as much as possible in the hopes of bringing their “A” game to Augusta National. This week is circled on the calendar of just about every professional golfer (and most golf enthusiasts) months in advance.

In the end, it all comes down to what happens on one of the most beautiful and storied golf courses in the entire world, at one of the biggest golf events of the year. It’s Masters Week. All is right with the world.

Carl

I’m a husband and father from central Pennsylvania who has recently rediscovered his love for cigars. By day I’m a mild-mannered insurance marketer. Out of the office, however, I can usually be found spending down time with my family, golfing, camping or hiking. I’m also die-hard Philadelphia Eagles and Boston Red Sox fan whose wife says he spends too much time playing fantasy football.